The Champagne Sisters w/ Frédéric Panaïotis of Ruinart!

The Champagne Sisters are SO EXCITED to *CLINK!* & chat with a REAL Champagne Mister: Frédéric Panaïotis, chef de Caves at the Champagne House of Ruinart.

Let's tell you a bit about him:

As a child, Panaïotis spent much of his time in the small Champagne vineyards of his grandparents, sampling the fruits of their labor. His professional career began with a compulsory training period at the Comité Interprofessionnel du Vin de Champagne, where he studied the méthode champenoise process in general and wine clarification in particular, including fining, filtration and riddling.

Over the years, Panaïotis returned several times to the Comité, subsequently specializing in the interaction of cork and wine, and training the professional panel on different tasting procedures. His winemaking apprenticeship included appointments in France and California. Panaïotis graduated from the Institut National Agronomique Paris-Grignon with a specialization in Viticulture-Oenologie, followed by a degree from the Ecole Supérieure d’Oenologie de Montpellier in 1988.

Frédéric Panaïotis joined Champagne Ruinart in 2007 as Chef de Caves. In this position, he has the responsibility of creating the blends, from the non vintages Blanc de Blancs and Rosé to the prestige cuvees of Ruinart, Dom Ruinart and Dom Ruinart Rosé. He also plays a significant role in the communication efforts of Champagne Ruinart, at times traveling extensively to international markets. --> He joins the Champagne Sisters & tells about how he found his passion for wine when he was a boy, why the Ruinart bottle has that particular shape, what "riddling" is, what is his fave year & bottle, food pairings with Champagne, and so much more!

The House of Ruinart, founded in 1729, is the oldest and one the most prestigious Champagne firms. Its spectacular underground cellars or Crayères have been classified as Monuments Historiques, and are the only cellars to hold this prestigious recognition. The style of Ruinart champagnes, based on the much sought-after Chardonnay variety, is geared towards elegance, purity and lingering freshness.